Financial Obligation On Wife

QUESTION:

My husband does not provide food, rent, clothing, etc., for me, nor our children. I am expected to provide for these needs yet I don’t earn a fixed income. I am considering seeking employment to meet these financial obligations. What are the financial rights of a wife over her husband?

ANSWER:

Jurists explain that it is the duty of the husband to provide the wife with food, clothing and shelter, and not vice versa.

النفقة واجبة على زوجها مسلمة كانت أو كافرة إذا سملت نفسها في منزله فعليه نفقتها وكسوتها وسكناها يعتبر ذلك لحالهما جميعا موسرا كان الزوج أو معسرا

(مختصر القدوري ص172)

In fact, some of the jurists have stipulated seven things, viz; roti or bread, curry, items required for her adornment and beautification, clothing, necessary furniture and goods for the house, accommodation, and if the wife is from such a family that has access to a domestic worker, then a helper too. [Re: Fataawa Uthmaaniyyah Vol:6 Pg:391]

As such, you may kindly inform him that it is not your responsibility to financially support  yourself and your children.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 03 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1447 / 26 September 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb